Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Aoi Yoshizawa studied textile design at Aalto University and currently works as a textile and surface designer for interiors and fashion in Helsinki. Aio often incorporates the shapes, textures and colors of her everyday surroundings into her designs, and finds inspiration from the forest and city atmospheres of Helsinki. Finnish design brand Lapuan Kankurit started working with Aoi in 2015, where she first designed the AINO blanket.  Since then, she has designed many more beautiful textiles for Lapuan Kankurit, including the SADE sauna collection.

Finnish design has a long history and is know for simplicity, functionality, and craftsmanship. It's trademark designs emerged in the early 20th century, and gained international attention through pioneers like Alvar Aalto in architecture and furniture, as well as companies such as Iittala, Artek, and Marimekko. Their work emphasized clean lines, natural materials, and a harmonious balance between beauty and practicality. Everything must have a purpose. Iconic products like the Aalto vase, Artek’s Stool 60, and Marimekko’s bold textile patterns established Finland as a leader in modernist design. Over the next century, Finnish design became synonymous with high quality, technical skill, and timeless aesthetics—qualities that have earned it global recognition, particularly during the postwar years when Nordic design was celebrated worldwide, and still is. Today, Finnish products continue to enjoy international respect, not only for their aesthetic value but also for their reputation of reliability, thoughtful construction, and cultural authenticity.